Briefs

Q. The cheesecake I have always made has started cracking on top. I think I am doing exactly the same thing I have always done when I mix and bake the cake, but it never cracked before. I'm frantic.

A. Two things can cause a cheesecake to crack: over-mixing and over-baking. If you are mixing the cheesecake the same way, you might want to get your oven checked; maybe the thermostat is off. Also, remember to grease the pan very well and run a knife around the inside of the pan, between the pan side and the cheesecake, as soon as you take it out of the oven.